FamilyLife Today® on Oneplace.com

Sexual Struggles Women Hide: Drs. Juli Slattery & Joy Skarka

FamilyLife Today® on Oneplace.com

Summary

A recent discussion on family life delves into the sensitive topics surrounding sexuality, trauma, and the impact of pornography on relationships. The conversation highlights how societal views on these issues have evolved over the past two decades, emphasizing the need for deeper theological understanding and personal healing. The hosts introduce Dr. Julie Slattery and Joy Skarka, who have collaborated on an eight-week curriculum titled "Her Freedom Journey," aimed at guiding individuals, particularly women, out of the struggles associated with pornography and shame towards authentic intimacy.

Joy shares her personal journey, revealing that her exposure to pornography began at a young age and escalated following a traumatic experience in college. She discusses how pornography became a coping mechanism and the challenges she faced in addressing her struggles, particularly in a church environment that often shies away from open discussions about such topics. The conversation stresses the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and the necessity for parents to engage in their own healing to effectively guide their children through similar issues.

The discussion also touches on the dynamics of relationships affected by past trauma, with Joy recounting her marriage to Zach, who supported her through her healing process. Their story illustrates the importance of communication and understanding in navigating the complexities of intimacy and past experiences. The episode ultimately encourages listeners to seek deeper connections and healing, both individually and within their families, as they confront these challenging subjects.

Show Notes

Porn is a guy problem--right? That’s what Joy Skarka thought, while quietly struggling herself. Porn addiction in women is more common than we talk about. And simply trying harder to stop may miss the deeper cause. Educator Dr. Joy Skarka and clinical psychologist Dr. Juli Slattery join Dave and Ann Wilson to get painfully honest about secrecy, shame, trauma, and the struggles women rarely say out loud.

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